1. Assessment in Biological Sciences
Brigitte Morin, Senior Lecturer
Department of Biological Sciences
Michigan Technological University

2. My New Job
Data + Decisions

3. Essential Cell Biology + Writing Practicum in Biology
Curriculum Changes
Essential Cell Biology + Writing Practicum in Biology

4. Goal 1 Assessment Disciplinary Knowledge
Major Field Test
Used nationally
[including NMU]
Cell Biology
Molecular Bio + Genetics
Organismal Biology
Population Bio, Evolution + Ecology
Analytical Skills
ETS – Educational Testing Service

5. Essential Cell Biology
New required 3000-level course for all biology majors
Currently assessing
2017 MFT results
Keep your fingers crossed!
Previously had only 4000-level elective course

6. Essential Cell Biology + Writing Practicum in Biology
Curriculum Changes
Essential Cell Biology + Writing Practicum in Biology

7. Goal 5 Assessment Communication
Written
Oral
Assessed freshman lab reports + senior capstone projects

8. Writing Practicum in Biology
3000-level writing + evaluation course
“Students will develop and improve their skill level in searching for scientific literature, incorporating that into scientific writing, evaluating and incorporating the work of others, and developing critique skills for review of scientific source material and basic statistical methods.”
- MTU Course Catalog -
Also currently being assessed
Images retrieved from

9. Assessment Takeaways Serious Curriculum Evaluation
What’s best for our students?
Assessment is a Team Effort
Within the department + across campus